Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins: What You May Not Know - Part 3

Posted By Illinois Vein Specialists, Community Contributor

Posted By Illinois Vein Specialists, Community Contributor

Posted by Illinois Vein Specialists, Community Contributor

In the previously published parts on the Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins we discussed some of the associated symptoms that arise when you suffer from vein disease-i.e. varicose and spider veins. These symptoms addressed some of the less painful or earlier signs like spider veins to some of the more serious and advanced stages of varicose veins like venous leg ulcers or open wounds. Both of the previous parts focused on varicosities that can arise in men and women alike, but this next topic is related specifically to women of all ages regarding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome or pelvic vein incompetence, is actually a result of underlying varicose veins in the pelvis or lower abdomen of the body. As we mentioned before, varicose veins that are found in the legs are actually formed in the same fashion as those in the pelvic region. The vein walls weaken with increased pressure and poor blood flow that eventually breaks the vein valves responsible for pumping the blood back to the heart causing pain and swelling. However, because the veins in the pelvis have greater influxes of estrogen and progesterone than the veins lower down the leg they are more susceptible to becoming varicose over time, particularly during pregnancy, when the body creates even higher levels of these hormones. The reason being is that estrogen and progesterone have been found to break down the interior lining of the vein wall making it thinner and weaker. Additionally, when women become pregnant their bodies increase the production of not only their hormones, but also blood flow and pressure in the pelvic region to support new growth. This is actually the reason (besides heredity) why women who have 3 or more children are almost guaranteed to develop varicose veins.

Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic Congestion is probably one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain today. Additionally, the percentage of women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain is nearly 35%, still many doctors are unaware of the root cause. However, over the last decade technological advancements have allowed Board Certified Phlebologists (varicose and spider vein disease specialists) to detect varicose veins in the body linking them to underlying vein disease behind a growing number of other health concerns, including pelvic congestive syndrome.

Frequently, women suffering from varicose veins in the pelvis region feel chronic pain due to the unrelieved pressure or swelling. The feeling is often like a dull ache, but sometimes can be more acute. The associated pain resulting from pelvic varicosities are generally arise in the lower abdomen, but can also be felt in the lower back. Often these symptoms are aggravated when standing for long periods of time. Moreover, the pain generally increases during certain activities such as:

• During Pregnancy (as mentioned above);• After intercourse;• Or during menstrual cycles.

Unfortunately, many women suffer needlessly for years from Pelvic Congestion Syndrome without a definitive answer as to why they feel pain in their pelvic region. Although doctors are aware that pelvic congestive syndrome can create thicker endometrium and increase the size of a woman’s uterus, doctors often misinterpret the associated symptoms or simply misdiagnose the cause of the associated pain. One of the reasons for this misdiagnosis is due to a simple fact that when women get checked they are required to lie down during exams. When lying down, the pressure from standing (i.e. gravity) is reduced ultimately relieving the resulting pain women feel, and their bulging varicose veins.

Seeking Relief from a Board Certified Phlebologist

If you suffer from chronic pelvic pain that worsens throughout the day, particularly when standing, you may want to seek a second opinion from a board certified phlebologist who can work with your gynecologist to eliminate your pelvic varicosities and prevent further pain and suffering.

At Illinois Vein Specialists, we care just as much about the medicine and the specialized practice of Phlebology as we do our patients. We focus only on treating varicose and spider veins and treat patients from Buffalo Grove, Cary, Elgin, Algonquin, Palatine, Vernon Hills, Crystal Lake, Lake Zurich, Fox River Grove, Mundelein, Grayslake, Wauconda, Chicago, and all areas of Barrington, Illinois. We understand that when you choose a doctor you want to go to someone you know, like and trust, and honestly so do we. We know that patients come to us most often from satisfied patient referrals, but we encourage you to do your own research and ask around. In the end no matter where you live or who you decide to have treat your varicose or spider veins find someone who focuses only on diagnosing and treating varicose and spider veins -- find a Board Certified Phlebologist.

For more information call 847.277.9100 or visit www.illinoisveinspecialists.com